Champion Trainer Willie Mullins sent out his 11th winner of the week at Punchestown today when his Blood Cotil (11/1) landed the Grade A EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase under jockey Paul Townend.

The son of Enrique improved to lead on the inner jumping the second last, where Silver Tassie blundered and lost his rider Paul Carberry. Blood Cotil wasn't fluent at the final fence but stayed on well on the run-in to beat Irish Cavalier

Mullins later reported "I thought this fella had been a bit disappointing and that's only his second win over fences.

"He had plenty of experience even though he's a novice and it's amazing to see the difference a bit of nice ground made.

"I'd imagine we'll keep him going for the summer with a view to Galway. He looks tailor made for the Plate after that performance. I couldn't see much else to run in between now and Galway."

Regarding his other runner in the race, the pulled up Val De Ferbet Mullins added "I was disappointed with Val De Ferbet - it was experience and ground and they were going too fast for him."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson